“Chris Leavens creates story-rich artwork, surreal landscapes filled with bizarre monsters and fantastical characters. Heavily inspired by the outdoors, Chris bends the beauty of the natural world through a prism of humor and absurdity, resulting in whimsically-twisted, highly-imaginative images. He uses a variety of media to create his work, but he’s best known for his colorful, detailed vector illustrations.”

Chris was born Pennsylvania and currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife and their daughter and son. Check out his funky website here.

Genevieve Gauckler is the perfect illustrator to bring sunshine to your otherwise cold December Sunday (well, at least that is the case in London). I remember writing a piece, whilst at uni, on “The simplification and abstraction in contemporary character design” and Gauckler was right on the top of my list as a prominent figure of the movement. She really does take liberties with the human form, but to great effect. I think unlike some other illustrators, who merely debase their work to achieve abstraction, Gauckler’s technical ability is at the forefront of hers.

Enjoy more of her work on her website.

To kick-start the Lounge Advent Calendar, we have the sublime work of Jason Brooks.

Jason Brooks was born in London and grew up in Brighton on the south coast of England. He studied at the world renowned Saint Martin’s College of Art where he attained a BA Hons degree in Graphic Design and Illustration.

If you travel on the tube in London, you’re bound to see Jason’s work somewhere. Various companies have commissioned him for his bold, effective style. His style is instantly recognisable, particularly his ‘Jason Brooks Girls’. He is also a great interior illustrator and has a whole section on his website dedicated to this.

I hope you enjoyed our first post of December; return again tomorrow for another brilliant surprise! With Christmas on its way, this month is going to be extra special here at The Lounge…

Jonathan’s design and illustration work is full of vibrant colours, creating a crisp, modern look with huge impact. It’s amazing what he has achieved at the tender age of 21. He has a huge client list including Hewlett Packard, Mazda and EPOS.  He has also been featured in several prominent places online as well as exhibited in locations around Europe including his home town, Limerick in Ireland. This star is shining bright…

Liz Adams is a freelance artist based in Los Angeles.

“The way I usually make my illustration work is by hand-drawing and painting various elements which I color digitally. I can work in both vector and traditional media.”

Liz has worked with many publishers and publications to date including: Scholastic, Simon & Schuster, Teen Magazine, Girl’s Life, American Baby, Disney, Family Fun, Today’s Parent and Adorn Magazine.

She has a very colourful simplistic style which goes down a treat with the kids and younger teens. Mosey on over to her website for more fun.

“A wise man once told me ‘if you love what you are doing then you’ll never have to work a day in your life.’”

Courtney obviously loves her creative vocation over there in Miami Beach. Her website has a good range of work, a mixture of graphic design and illustration. Everything is well executed and has that bit of zing that makes the page pop out at you. Many thanks Courtney, for getting in touch.

Marty Elmer is a self-described “vector cartoonist, tee designer, and all around nice guy” and I’m inclined to agree. His absurdly cute characters are exactly what are needed to brighten up our otherwise lacklustre day. Find more of his work on his website and his threadless page.